DUI/DWI

Experience Counts When Your Freedom Is At Stake

Southern California criminal defense attorney Airene Williamson understands how extremely tough the state of California is on people accused of driving while intoxicated. Attorney Williamson has worked aggressively on behalf of clients who faced serious DWI charges. She knows how important it is to fight back. A conviction in California can lead to thousands of dollars in fines, possible jail time and a DWI license suspension. Airene Williamson is well-versed in California DUI/ DWI laws and knows the California court system inside and out. Are you ready to put her experience and resources to work for you?

If you are looking for a knowledgeable Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo lawyer for your DWI/DUI arrest or other criminal charge, Williamson Law Office is ready to hear from you any time of the day or night. Call (805) 202-6298 right now to make sure your case gets the proper attention it deserves.

Suspension of Driver’s License
Usually, your driver’s license is seized by law enforcement when you are arrested for drunk driving in California. You are issued a temporary license and must file a petition within 10 days, requesting a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Failure to file results in automatic suspension of your driving privileges.

DMV licensing hearings are separate from the criminal case. Airene Williamson provides complete DUI defense – fighting for your rights in court as well as at the DMV license hearing. By actually appearing at the hearing, we have the opportunity to determine the arresting officer’s credibility and confront other evidence. This can give clients a significant advantage in fighting California DUI charges.

DUI Penalties

If you have been arrested for a DUI in California, you may face jail time, loss of your driver’s license and expensive fines and costs. Even a first time misdemeanor DUI offense carries substantial penalties, including 6 month license suspension, up to 6 months in county jail (though it is unusual for a first offender to do any jail time), Alcohol classes for 3 – 9 months and Fines, Assessments and Fees upwards of to $2,000. If you have prior DUI offenses within the last 10 years, your penalties may be substantially higher.

Avoid a Criminal Drunk Driving Conviction
The prosecutor may want you to believe that their case against you is cut and dried, but there are many defenses available to fight a DUI. We know that you may have various defenses available. Airene Williamson will work diligently to defend you against conviction.

Defenses that have been used to beat California DUI charges:
• The officer’s lack of probable cause to make the initial stop
• Mistakes in the administrative procedures relating to blood and breath tests
• A person appearing not under the influence during field sobriety tests
• Miranda rights violations
• Illegal arrest
• A lack of evidence

If you have been arrested for a DUI, these and other defenses may apply to your case. Our skilled attorney can help you to determine what defenses may be available against a criminal DUI charge. However, it is important that you contact an attorney promptly as many defenses are time-sensitive.

Understanding what’s at stake with a criminal charge

Before you even enter your not-guilty plea, you need to speak with a tough-minded defense attorney who will stand up for your freedom. A drunk driving arrest can have a devastating impact on so many aspects of your life. It’s not only a license suspension or significant fines you have to worry about. You may face substantially higher insurance rates, the inability to rent a car, and loss of your job (particularly if your job involves driving). With so much at stake, it’s important to know your rights and to have an attorney on your side who knows how to protect those rights. If you were arrested for DUI/DWI and failed a field sobriety test, Airene has some advice: Fight it!
To discuss possible strategies for your particular case, contact us for a FREE DUI Consultation (805) 202-6298.